Massive tourist traffic for eclipse may interfere with cell phone service

by KBOI News Staff

Police ask that you only send a text to 911 as a last resort. It's for emergencies only. (Photo courtesy of Payette County Sheriff's Office)

PAYETTE COUNTY, Idaho (KBOI) —

The Payette County Sheriff's Office is warning that the large influx of tourists in town for the Solar Eclipse may affect cell phone towers' reception.

The Sheriff's Office says in Payette County alone 89 percent of 911 calls in the past 12 months have been made from cell phones and other mobile devices. As a result of the effect the high traffic may have on the cell towers, police are reminding everyone that they can text 911 if they can not call.

Police ask that you only send a text to 911 as a last resort. It's for emergencies only.

When you text, include details such as the location, injuries, people involved, contact information, and the layout of the incident.